Congratulations — you’ve made it through the polar vortex and came out alive. You definitely deserve some R&R, but before you relax too much, make sure your backyard is free from these potential summer hazards. Between pesticide-treated lawns and toxic dog poop, there are plenty of problems lurking.

2. Dog poop. Unfortunately, you can’t get away with using your pooch’s poo as your all-natural fertilizer — the substance doesn't actually do anything to fertilize, and it contains tons of dangerous bacteria. Your pet's presents can have viruses and worms that are dangerous to humans, some of which can be passed just from skin-to-skin contact. "Dog poop can have parasites that you're not aware of and can enter your body through your skin," Dr. Bennett said. Clean up after your dog — in your backyard, and elsewhere, and avoid being barefoot outdoors.

3. Ticks and Lyme disease. A tick’s bite could leave you with Lyme disease, which can lead to months of exhaustion, and, untreated, can cause other problems including arthritis, meningitis, or irregular heartbeat. To avoid this, check for ticks regularly. Look all over for the small little tick, which may be raised on your skin, and keep an eye out for the bull’s eye rash that may signal the start of the infection. If you’re experiencing symptoms, including the rash or exhaustion, or if you’ve removed a tick from your skin, see your doctor.

5. Backyard burning. Whether you use a burn barrel or try to make a campfire, burning household waste is actually quite dangerous. Beyond the risk of the fire getting out of control, burning waste may expel chemicals in to the air that have serious health side effects, including asthma, developmental disorders, kidney failure, and liver failure. Ash residue can be equally dangerous, particularly if scattered on gardens. Dispose of trash properly, and recycle and compost when you can. Beyond your own fires, Dr. Bennett noted that smoke from wildfires can often irritate the body, so if you can see or smell smoke, head indoors. She also advised setting up a fan to blow away smoke from the grill, or closing the grill while its cooking.